This is an updated version of an article which first appeared on The Athletic earlier this month.For those who are not regular watchers of France’s Ligue 1, your first introduction to Ibrahim Mbaye may have been his sensational solo goal at the World Cup for Senegal against France.It may have only been a consolation in a 3-1 defeat, but it saw Mbaye become the youngest African player to score at a World Cup, aged 18 years and 143 days old.And setting records for becoming the youngest to do something has been part of the right-winger’s routine since he became Paris Saint-Germain’s youngest league starter (16 years and 205 days old) when he was selected to play against Le Havre in August 2024.Born in Trappes, a western suburb of Paris, he chose to represent Senegal — where his father is from — at senior international level, despite representing France through the youth levels up to under-20s. He became his nation’s youngest player to appear at the Africa Cup of Nations in December 2025 and goalscorer in the tournament when he scored against Sudan in the round of 16.It is no wonder that the now-18-year-old had been looked at by several of Europe’s top clubs since he broke through at PSG. Bayer Leverkusen, Liverpool and Aston Villa were three of the teams that explored a move for the winger this summer, but senior club sources at Liverpool insisted it had gone no further, dismissing reports that personal terms had been agreed.Villa, in the meantime, had viewed Mbaye as a leading target from as early as January. They had wanted him then, but could not afford him due to ongoing financial restrictions limiting their spend.They made contact again a few months later, believing a deal would cost in the region of £40million-50million. It became evident it would be towards the top end. There was a feeling among those close to Mbaye heading into the summer that Villa may have missed their opportunity.Still, Villa’s priority position was a fast, right-sided winger who made frequent runs beyond opposition defences. Mbaye was always the player favoured across the board.Negotiations were complex. The forward is represented by London-based agency Golden Gate, but earlier this year enlisted the services of Jorge Mendes and his agency Gestifute ahead of the summer and a potential move.Each time Villa felt they were close, or a deal was likely, they were pushed back. Even after the signing of Alejandro Garnacho from Chelsea, Villa never closed the door on Mbaye. Representatives of other targets, in messages seen by The Athletic, were informed that Villa were not pursuing players who primarily operate as a traditional left winger, as such. Mbaye’s best position was viewed as off the right.Ibrahim Mbaye, right, impressed against France in New Jersey (Al Bello/Getty Images)Mbaye’s arrival seemed out of reach, with Villa pursuing Rafael Leao intently. But the relationship between Villa co-owner Nassef Sawiris and PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi was seen as key to getting the deal done. On Friday, a €55million agreement in principle was finalised.